Extraction and Characterization of Listeria monocytogenes Exopolysaccharide

This study was aimed to extract exopolysaccharide (EPS) produced by Listeria monocytogenes and investigate the maximum production by using different culture media and various factors. The EPS was obtained from the culture supernatant by cold ethanol precipitation and yield maximum production (0.368mg /ml ) in basal salt solution (BSS) as dry weight. The total carbohydrate content was determined by phenol sulfuric acid method. The functional groups were detected by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at frequency range of 400- 4000cm-1. Different alcohols were checked for their efficiency on precipitating EPS, those other than ethanol, methanol and isopropanol were able to sediment the EPS, while isoamylalcohol show no effect on precipitation.The results also indicated that the medium volume play an important role in EPS production.